home studio solution? (voiceover)

[skid]

Hey all,

looking for some advice on a home studio solution.

I'm looking to set up a system at home for recording voice-over/narration and trying to figure out what's the best way to go about it, gear wise.

So far in the plans, a new computer, Pentium 4, AMD, still to be determined...

For basic one track voice recording, (maybe up to 4 track multi-track), what would be the best software to run with? (being able to mix down to MP3?)

Any suggestions for a solid v/o mic?

Any mic pre/comp/eq units out there with a digital out worth taking a look at?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[RangerJay]

Any video involved, or all audio?

What's your budget for microphone, soundcard, software, etc.?

[John Link]

Pro Tools FREE can handle up to eight tracks of audio, which sounds like way more than what you need.

PTF won't make an mp3 file but the wav or aiff or sdii file that it bounces can be converted to mp3 by several free programs (e.g, iTunes on Mac).

John Link

[skid]

well, i'd LIKE to say money is no object, but then i'd be lying.

I guess i'm looking at around 2,000 - 3,000 CDN for the whole deal (minus the computer of course).

That said, if there is something that is an absolute must have, or something I can do without for now (ie: PTFree upgrading to Mbox down the line) I'll do my best to make it work. Sound quality is my focus, but I know there has to be affordable ways to get there without dropping a mint on a Neve strip and top-of-the-line Neumann.

[The Weed]

Hi Skid,

I tried to send you an email, but it was bounced back. Is your address correct in your profile?

Anyway, you can get by with the MBox as you only need one in for your mic, but the 001 is good to have on hand. And don't forget, PT Free still requires a sound card, which you get with the MBox or 001.

If you think you can get away without the Waves Platinum, which I have, here's a suggestion:

dbx286A mic pre amp and signal processor $400 CDN
Rode NTK tube condenser microphone $800 CDN
Digi 001 $1500 CDN
OR
MBox $700 CDN

Taxes extra.

You'll need cabling, monitors and some kind of room treatment, can't help you with prices there.

If you can squeeze out some more Canuck Bucks, get the Waves Platinum Native Bundle, $2200 CDN, you won't regret it.

Check out my Corporate Demo at www.brucehayward.com. All done here at home on the 001 using the Waves and my royalty free music service (Q-Music from the UK).

Anything more I can help with, drop me an email.

Cheers,

[Kev]

Is an AMIII card an option for the PC here.

Use a Mic-pre to SPDF you could be very happy and still keep the price down.

[aziel]

I´ve been recording voice over with several mics...one of the mics with best results and presence in the voice was the AT4033...around 300$ or less [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Boom Chic]

AKG 416 is a GREAT voice over mic! It's pretty much standard for television.

[Stone Knife]

Sennheiser's 416 is another excellent v/o choice-

BTW I own an NTK and the above-mentioned DBX 286a- with the NTK you'll probably never need the 286a- I use it only on sad, cheap mikes.

A great source for the NTK at about $405 USD is BPM Music Express -probably need to add a bit more for Canadian shipping... The fellow that runs the place is honest and fast. Drop him an e-mail if you're interested in an NTK.

[Kronos]

I like the EV RE20 for voiceovers. A large diaphram dynamic mic is usually easier to get the job done than a condenser mic because of the pops and plosives. The RE20 is no longer produced, but you can find one used for under $200 US.
EV also makes a new RE27(?) with a neodynium capsule. I have not heard it, but it may be worth checking out.
The M-box has some built in mic pres but I have not heard them.
Finally, I have a BeyerDynamic TGX-50 large diaphram dynamic and a TL Audio C-1 tube mic-pre/compressor that sounds great for voiceover. $800 + shipping gets you both! I have 2 of each so I can spare one. If interested, E-mail me at [email protected].

Eric